High cholesterol in children...any risks? - High Cholesterol Message Board

kky · 04-11-2003, 11:14 AM

Because high cholesterol runs in my husband's side of the family (everyone is on Zocor), I decided to allow my 9 year old son to be checked. I was shocked to hear it was 270, since my son is so skinny and doesn't even weigh 60 lbs!

I've heard there are risks with Zocor and Lipitur, and I didn't want to put him on those yet if we can help it. So I've been trying two supplements under the recommendation of a doctor: a form of Niacin and also tumeric. Is anyone familiar with this type of treatment, especially in children? Are there dangers or side effects involved? Should I have my 3 year old son also checked?

ARIZONA73 · 04-12-2003, 01:37 PM

kky-- I'm not so sure that it would be such a good idea to take agressive measures to lower cholesterol in children this young. Children are different than adults. Their young bodies are still developing and going through a lot of changes, and cholesterol plays a vital role. Children's blood lipids are constantly developing right through puberty and into the late teenage years. In addition, young children often have half of their total cholesterol in the form of HDL, the good cholesterol. In fact, between the ages of 10 and 16, average cholesterol levels actually tend to decrease. So, it is my opinion that it is far too early to determine whether your children need to be treated for this. That determination should be made when they are fully grown.

Magpiezoe · 04-17-2003, 06:48 AM

Hello, Is the child overweight? Obesity in children can cause type 2 diabetes and heart problems. Yes, you might want to get your 3 year old checked also. It's important to catch things early rather than let potential health problems continue due to fear. You don't want to have any major disasters, so it's better to be safe than sorry. As far as children being different, yes that is absolultly correct, so you might want to take them to a Pediatrician instead of the family doctor. Keep your children active and drastically limit the junk food. Make favorite fruits and vegetables easily available for the children. I also set an example myself by exercising in front of my son and eating fresh fruit and vegie at the table with every meal. Yes, you definately have a family thing going on with the high cholesterol, so as a family you might have to change your lifestyle. I don't know what the meals are like for your family, so what I just typed is just a general idea of what I have exerienced and read.

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Magpie

kky · 04-18-2003, 11:09 AM

Actually, none of us are overweight. My 9 year-old (with a cholesterol of 270) is actually underweight - in the 25%-tile for his age group. My 3-year old is also in the 25%-tile as well. (That's why I just couldn't believe the high numbers.)

We typically do serve "well-balanced" meals, especially with my husband having the high cholesterol (the men in the family were all average weight and 300+ before Zocor). My husband also gets these lumps in his arms and legs that are some kind of lipid accumulation - also a genetic thing. (a dysfunction of the liver?)

I guess I'm wondering if anyone else on this post has a similar genetic history. I can't help but think that even with the proper diet and exercise, my kids are still probably going to have to take the zocor/lipitur at some point when they're older.

Magpiezoe · 04-21-2003, 02:22 PM

Hello, Liver disorders are always bad news. Sorry to hear that. My sister has a non-aloholic fatty liver, but it doesn't sound like what you're describing. My family's genetics has mostly to do with our blood, so we have a really strict diet too.

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Magpie